Brazil is advancing in one of the most relevant themes of economic regulation in recent years: the supervision of betting activities, especially after the start of the regulated fixed-odd betting market in 2025. Recently, the country underwent a change of leadership in the regulatory body responsible for the sector, opening space for deeper adjustments in governance and inspection strategies for the coming years.
End of one cycle and beginning of another
After a year of great success in the Brazilian betting sector, with offers such as 25 free spins when registering without a deposit, 2026 has brought new features. At the end of January 2026, an important change in the Ministry of Finance’s economic team was officially confirmed. The then Secretary of Prizes and Bets, Régis Dudena, left his position to take on a new role in the Secretariat of Economic Reforms of the Ministry of Finance, making room for a new manager in charge of regulating the betting market in Brazil.
Régis Dudena’s departure symbolically marks the end of a stage of institutional construction for the regulatory body and the beginning of a new phase, in which supervision of the sector will come into focus with greater intensity. Dudena was responsible for leading the SPA (Prizes and Betting Secretariat) during the period in which betting regulation was consolidated, especially since the approval of Law No. 14,790/2023, which created the legal framework for the regulation of gaming and betting in the country, and in the practical implementation of the rules throughout 2024.
The new management and continuity of work
In a speech, Dudena highlighted the achievements achieved in the first year of the regulated market, highlighting above all the protection of bettors, the strengthening of actions to combat the illegal market and the construction of a solid regulatory base that allows the State to know not only who operates in the sector, but who the partners, managers are and how each company actually operates.
On the other hand, Dudena emphasized that the SPA’s main focus has never been tax collection, this is an exclusive responsibility of the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service, but rather protecting people and the popular economy, ensuring that the sector operates within clear rules and with strong mechanisms to prevent fraud and money laundering.
The appointment of a new effective head for SPA is expected in the coming weeks, with the expectation that the chosen one will have the challenge of deepening the supervision, inspection and regulatory improvement of the sector, in line with the government’s macroeconomic guidelines for 2026.
Results of the first regulated year
The balance presented by SPA and experts points out that the first year of the fully regulated market was positively significant in terms of structuring and economic results. According to official data, the regulated betting market generated, throughout 2025, a collection of around R$37 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), gross revenue from licensed companies, and a collection of almost R$10 billion in federal taxes and mandatory transfers to the legal destinations provided for by law.
Currently, 79 companies are authorized to operate in the country, each one being able to have up to three brands under a federal license valid for five years, after payment of the grant of R$30 million and compliance with legal requirements. The implementation of these rules is considered a crucial step towards bringing the betting market under state supervision and creating a more transparent and safe business environment for operators and bettors.
Combating the illegal market and supervision
One of SPA’s main areas of action was combating the illegal betting market, a practice that had dominated the sector for years before regulation. In 2025, under the supervision of SPA in partnership with the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), more than 25 thousand unauthorized betting sites were blocked, and dozens of administrative processes were opened against clandestine operators, reflecting greater state control over the sector.
Furthermore, integration with institutions such as the Federal Police, Ministry of Justice and the financial economy made it possible to identify and interrupt operations that used the financial system to move resources linked to illegal betting, reinforcing consumer protection and the integrity of the formal market.
Perspectives for the future
Despite the advances, the new head of SPA will face a challenging agenda. Brazil is facing a decisive phase for betting regulation, which combines great economic opportunities with the need for robust and proactive supervision. The change in leadership at the regulatory body could signal a new stage of maturity for the sector, with a focus on regulatory efficiency, consumer protection and integration with broader public policies.
Experts highlight the importance of consolidating an adaptable regulatory environment, capable of responding quickly to technological changes and new business models emerging in the online betting sector. If the coming months bring consistent initiatives for regulatory improvement, effective supervision and legal security, Brazil could consolidate itself as one of the main regulated betting markets in the world, attracting investments, stimulating economic formalization and ensuring greater protection for its citizens.
